Supporline - was - Software Subscription strikes again.

["Rick DuVall" <R_C_DuVall@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Doug,

<snip>
>  "For pricing information regarding any of the services listed in this
> announcement, contact your IBM representative, your IBM Business
> Partner, or call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968), or IBM Global Services
> Inside Sales at 888-426-4343. "

Well, I have tried the phone number I was given, 800 967-7882, with no
response so far. (voice mail)  Perhaps I should call my rep in Dallas.

<snip useful info>

> Hopefully IBM will honor your new contract at $116, and you signed a
> long-term agreement. :)


Only a year :(

CHGSYSVAL SYSVAL(QHOPELESSRANT) VALUE(*ON)

Part of the reason this bugs me so much I guess, is that I have watched
support line atrophy over the last ten years to the point that the ONLY use
it has been to me for a long time is for reporting OS bugs.  I remember 6 -
8 years ago, calling support line immediately put you in touch with EXPERTS
who knew their area inside and out, who engendered literal feelings of awe.
I mean these guys made me want to bow down and chant I'm not worthy I'm not
worthy.  If something you were working on was giving you a hard time,  they
immediately knew what you were talking about  and could produce a gushing
font of known problems and work arounds.  In short, they knew ALL the
programming ins and outs from an operative perspective.  This seems to me to
no longer be the case.  Over the last few years,  the few times I have
contacted them,  I have felt that my time would have been better spent
re-reading the relevant manuals for the third time.  And the dadgummed
manuals always leave out that one little piece of info which ties it all
together!  I guess this is just nostalgia on my part.

Anyway, on those thankfully rare occasions when the cpu utilization wraps up
to ++++, all by its self, I'm sure I will be glad I paid the price whatever
it is.

CHGSYSVAL SYSVAL(QHOPELESSRANT) VALUE(*OFF)

Does anyone else feel this way about support line?  Or am I expecting too
much?

Regards
Rick


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